Organizers expect between 30,000 and 40,000 people to fill the seats during the two weeks the competition is in town.

“People are staying in hotels, they’re eating and they’re shopping. We have dancers from all over the world. They want to go shop. They want to go look (around) and they’re spending money here,” said Debbie Simmons, the transportation chairperson for the event.

Jackson is the only place you can see the competition in the United States. The 2010 ballet brought in $10.2 million for the state, according to a University of Southern Mississippi study. Restaurant owners in the capital city said they are ready for the big crowds.

“We’re just looking forward to having a lot of new people into the area – first-timers to our restaurant, and just treating them to a good time,” said Maggie Brown, the manager at Sal and Mookie’s.

Belhaven University officials hope to cash in by housing the competitors, who will come from 20 countries.

“This place just becomes the international village, and it’s just real exciting,” said Robin Savoy, the director of campus services at Belhaven.

Organizers said the competition has something special people can’t get from the show in Europe.

“Our Southern hospitality,” said Jennifer Lyon, transportation co-chairperson. “I think that showing these dancers here from other countries that we want them to have the best experience here.”

Thalia Mara Hall reopened just in time for the ballet after a four-month renovation project for the auditorium that cost $5 million.

The opening ceremonies for the competition are Saturday.

Drivers are needed for the shuttle service that will take the dancers around the city this year. For information on volunteering, visit http://www.usaibc.com.